Nowadays, condoms come in a variety of sizes, colours, and even flavours. There are small ones, skinny ones, purple ones, strawberry ones, peppermint ones - you name it, and it probably exists. Soon, we might find that we already have as many types of condoms as Hallmark have cards. There used to be a time in another era when there was only one kind of condom out in the market, as far as the texture (or nubbing) is concerned. That has changed in monumental fashion. Nowadays, they can be adorned with latex or they can be ribbed. Some of them can just be on the exterior but some are studded both inside and outside. Presumably, this is also to provide the user with added enjoyment.
Exactly how many different kinds of condoms are out there? Are there in fact any significant differences at all? Basically, all condoms would fall under 8 categories in general, based on the primary consideration. These do not include the ones that would be invented tomorrow (knowing the ingenuity of today's generation, they will come up with something). The first is the material; it is either made from polyurethane or latex. Second is the size that involves the width and not the length. However, those available in convenience shops are standard-sized. Third is the kind of lubrication where different substances are used for different brands of condoms. Fourth is the spermicidal. Spermicidal lubricant is sometimes used to lessen the probability of pregnancy. One of the more common is called nonoxynol-9. Some individuals are sensitive to this and in fact, if used a lot of times, may heighten HIV-infection possibility. Fifth is the Ribbed. There are many people out there, especially young people, who utter in disgust "if AIDS is not so prevalent, I would never use this "I cannot feel a thing." This type is the heaven-sent condom for them. It has ridges making sex more "feel-able" for the couple. Next is colour, enough said, it's self-explanatory. Seventh would be Flavour, obviously, this is for those daring individuals who have a propensity for oral sex. Tastes can range from strawberry to three varieties of chocolate flavour. One of our favourites is the Minty tasting one, it gives a genle minty warming sensation to add sensitivity and extra sensation during lovemaking. Eighth and the last, is the reservoir tipped. Most condoms in fact have a reservoir-like end to hold the semen as opposed to the few others which have plain tips. For the reservoir type, make sure that you pinch the tip before putting it on. This is more or less mandatory because if air gets in, it could easily break when you are busy and that is what you wouldn't like to happen. Actually, there is another one, but since our topic is men's condoms, a simple mention of it would suffice. This is the female condom, (If you are a guy reading this and you are the kind who is so averse to putting on condoms, this should give you an idea, right?)
Now that we are through enumerating them, let us go to the more important part which is to answer the question "what are the qualities of a good condom?" In terms of material, latex is probably the best; avoid the naturally made ones (lamb membrane for example). Some unenlightened souls claim that a few viruses can go thru latex that is absolutely untrue. Those made from natural materials are porous and so there is a probability of virus-transmission. Another would be the presence of lubricants. Picking the water-based ones is best like those that are pre-lubricated with spermicidal gel or foam. Petroleum, baby oil or cream used as lubricant is risky. These types have the tendency to weaken condoms, even latex. Packaging is also an invitation. (Not only vis-à-vis colours although to some people, colour is paramount, they are probably the reason why the glow-in-the dark type was born.)
More specifically, what do women want in a condom? Some condoms are packaged to look like tampon containers and a few women are attracted to this. Form also counts - to illustrate, French ticklers (condoms having long appendages) have popular appeal as these (just like the ridges) increase pleasure during intercourse. For this same purpose, some women would insist that their husbands/boyfriends buy the ultra thin type. Of course, not all nationalities are alike. Japanese women in fact, are insistent on using condoms over pills but they are not particular over the kind or form of condom to be used. For as long as she gets assured that it would not break, she probably would not actually care on what specific kind of condom is being used. If you are a Brit or an American a piece of advice: bring your own, the size being manufactured in there might not be to your liking.
Lastly, the most interesting though, according to one expert on the topic (she came out with a hilarious yet enlightening piece) - women generally, do not care about the ridges, ribbing or the lubrication. The problem she claims is that condoms are designed by men. She asserts that if women were to be the ones to do this designing, they would just make "padded" condoms. Length may not really be crucial, but according to her, width does and that is where the padding comes in naturally.
Passion8 favourite sexual lubricants to use with your condom
A water based sex lubricant makes safe sex even more fun! Latex condoms can break more easily when they are dry, and latex itself is absorbent, so any of our water based sexual lubricants will help to keep your condom intact.
Put a small drop of sexual lubricant, or warming sex lubricant into the tip of the condom, he'll love the extra slippery friction and wetness stroking over the head of his penis.
The Best Water-Based Sexual Lubricant - Eden Silk
Our best selling sexual and vaginal lubricant created exclusively for Passion8 is Eden Silk Feeling totally natural this sexual lubriant enhances natural vaginal lubrication the body friendly way.
The Ultimate Sexual Lubricant - Eden Bliss
The Sex Lubricant is Eden Bliss Sexual Lubricant Our testers who regularly use a sexual lubricant say Eden Bliss is the best vaginal lubricant they have ever used*. It can also be used as an anal lubricant. Eden Bliss Sexual Lubricant is THE sex lubricant for lovers. Eden Bliss Sexual Lubricant is non allergic and natural. (Passion8 Survey of Sexual Lubricants, 97% of users favoured Passion8's Eden Bliss to KY and Wet Lubricants)
Smooth Move Premium Anal Lubricant Smooth Move Lubricant is a waterbased formula, that is odourless, colourless and tasteless. Slightly thicker than most Smooth Move Lubricant is great for both vaginal and anal pleasure.
How to choose your Sexual Lubricant
Featuring only the best sexual lubricants, we have vaginal lubricants, anal lubricants and everything in between.
Lubricants - The Best Sex-Toy Ever! Read how to choose between water based lubricants, vaginal lubricants, arousal lubricants or anal lubricants.
Organic Vaginal Lubricant Sylk no preservatives or chemicals - the ultimate vaginal lubricant, especially for women with a dry vagina, or suffering vaginal atrophy.
Trying to conceive? Pre-Seed is THE sperm friendly sexual lubricant plus
